This notice regards:
Items to Note
2026-2027 Agricultural Water Allocation Applications Due January 15, 2026
On December 12, 2025, District staff mailed out the 2026-2027 Agricultural Water Allocation Application packets. Water users should expect to receive these packets this month. Landowners will only be sent packets if they are also water users or have specifically requested them beforehand. Completed Allocation Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026, either at the Fresno office by 5:00 p.m., or at the Five Points office before it closes at 3:30 p.m.
Typically, the landowners’ tenant farmers will submit the Allocation Applications. However, landowners may submit the Allocation Application themselves if more direct control of the allocation to their land is desired, or tenants have not been selected. Landowners are reminded that the costs associated with water applied for and allocated must be paid, even if the water is not used.
If more than one Allocation Application is received for the same parcel of land, priority will be given to the landowner in accordance with the District’s Rules and Regulations. If neither entity submitting the Allocation Application owns the land, priority will be given to the water user who provides evidence of the right to occupy the land and receive the allocation.
The District is also requesting an estimate of the number of acres you expect to fallow in the 2026-2027 water contract year. Providing this information will not affect your request for a water supply allocation. The information will only be used to educate the public on how the continued lack of water supply is impacting water users.
2026-2027 Groundwater Allocation Applications Due January 15, 2026
On December 12, 2025, District staff mailed out the 2026-2027 Groundwater Allocation Application packets. Landowners should expect to receive these packets this month. Completed Allocation Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026, either at the Fresno office by 5:00 p.m., or at the Five Points office before it closes at 3:30 p.m.
Applications received after January 15, 2026, shall be considered “late”. A Groundwater Allocation Application and Agreement that is late shall be accepted; provided, the application is received no later than July 31, 2026. Revised applications are also accepted through this date. However, the Groundwater Allocation may not be available until 45 days from the date the late or revised application is accepted.
All Groundwater Users are subject to the District’s Rules and Regulations. The groundwater allocation is made at the parcel level to all eligible gross acres (also referred to as assessed acres).
If more than one application is received for the same parcel of land, priority will be given to the Landowner in accordance with the District’s Rules and Regulations. If none of the applications are from the Landowner, priority will be given to the water user who provides evidence of the right to occupy the land and receive the allocation.
If you would like your pro-rata share of the District’s Groundwater Credits dispensed in 2026, please check the box labeled, “Check the box if you want to purchase your pro-rata share of the District’s Groundwater Credit at approximately $190 per acre-foot”.
The District may dispense approximately 24,000 AF or 0.046AF/acre by March 31, 2026, if the District projects that the CVP allocation will be twenty five percent (25%) or less. For example, if you check the box and have 1,000 acres in your account, you could be allocated 46 AF of the District’s Groundwater Credit. The District’s Groundwater Credits are estimated to cost $190/AF, and the total will be due prior to the District’s Groundwater Credits being allocated to your account.
Please note: If the full 24,000 AF is not requested, the unrequested amount will not result in a higher allocation per acre and will be retained by the District for future allocation. Unrequested water will not be retained in the name of the landowner who does not request it.
2026 January and February Board Meetings
Please note that the District’s Board meetings for January and February 2026 will be held on Thursday rather than the usual Tuesday. The January meeting will be on January 22 and the February meeting will be on February 19. Please track your email and the District’s website for meeting agendas and updates.
2025 Economic Impact Report Released
Westlands Water District has published its 2025 Economic Impact Report, which highlights the District’s vital role in supporting jobs, local economies, and the nation’s food supply. The report underscores how unreliable water supplies have led to significant economic losses in recent years. You can read the full report on our website.
Water Users Web User Login Page – Buy and Sell Offers
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
The District offers a message board for water users who wish to buy and sell water on its Web User login page. The message board allows water users to post their name, phone number, offers to buy or sell water, and a brief description, matching water users with excess water and those with unmet demands. Please call your Customer Service Representative for assistance in accessing or using the message board, or to set up your Web User profile.
1-for-1 Facilitated Transfers
Water users are encouraged to use surface water and refrain from pumping groundwater. If your water budget requires groundwater pumping, please consider offering to exchange groundwater allocation, or credits, for surface water. If your surface water balance is leading you to recharge, please consider offering to exchange your surface water for groundwater credits. One of the key benefits of this exchange is the elimination of losses for growers who are long on surface water. The District will facilitate 1-for-1 transfers and will match users under this program. Current-year CVP water is eligible for the program on a 1AF for 1AF basis. Eligible groundwater includes 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Sustainable Yield groundwater allocations along with any existing Recharge Credits. Please contact your Customer Service Representative to submit your information.
Annual Fall Shallow Groundwater Elevation Readings
Jose Rangel: (559) 241-6220 – jrangel@wwd.ca.gov
District staff began collecting fall shallow groundwater elevation readings in December and may continue into January depending on weather conditions.
Grant Funding Available through Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Brent Dragomanovich: (559) 241-6245 or bdragomanovich@wwd.ca.gov
The District is pleased to announce that NRCS funding is available to Westlands growers, up to $450,000 per Farm Bill. This WaterSMART Initiative enables Westlands farmers to carry out water conservation and drought resiliency improvements such as installing irrigation pipelines, micro-irrigation systems, reservoirs, and temporary diversion pumping plants. Westlands farmers are encouraged to first file all eligibility documents with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), then contact the local Fresno NRCS office at (559) 276-7494 as soon as possible to start an application. Applications are due January 15, 2026.
The District held an outreach workshop via Zoom in October 2024 and a recording of the event is available in the Water User Portal on the Home page under Workshops.
Holiday Office Closures & Water Ordering Procedures
District offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25, 2025, for the Christmas holiday; Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year’s Day; and Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The affected water ordering deadlines are as follows:
| For Water Use On | Place Water Order By |
|---|---|
| Wednesday – December 24 | Tuesday, December 23, 9:30 a.m. |
| Thursday or Friday – December 25 or 26 | Tuesday, December 23, noon |
| Thursday – January 1 | Wednesday, December 31, 9:30 a.m. |
| Friday – January 2 | Wednesday, December 31, noon |
| Saturday or Sunday – January 17 or 18 | Friday, January 16, 9:30 a.m. |
| Monday or Tuesday – January 19 or 20 | Friday, January 16, noon |
The emergency telephone number for after hours and holidays is (559) 224-1523.
2025-2026 Supplemental Water Update
The Supplemental Water pool totaled 65,776 acre-feet (AF) with 19,008 AF in request. The projected price of the Supplemental Water pool is approximately $563/AF, delivered.
The additional supply was surplus to the Supplemental Water pool and was allocated as Other Water to all water users who submitted a CVP Allocation Application for 2025-2026. There will be no advance payment required as water users will pay the projected price upon delivery. If Other Water is carried over into the 2026-2027 water year, Other Water will be the first water delivered from an account.
In November, the District allocated a total of 8,500 AF, comprising 4,000 AF of acquired water distributed as Other Water and 4,500 AF of System Gain credited to user accounts. An additional System Gain allocation is anticipated before the end of the Water Year.
WATER SUPPLY
2025-2026 Water Supply Update
Shasta Reservoir storage is approximately 2,681,000 AF; 112% of the 15-year average. CVP storage in San Luis Reservoir (SLR) is 389,000 AF; 90% of the 15-year average. Total exports are 2,660 cfs with the Jones and Banks Pumping Plants (PP) operating at 969 cfs and 1,691 cfs, respectively. In December, Jones PP exports reduced to one unit of operation at about 900 cfs due to Delta water quality concerns. Pumping at Jones is expected to increase to 2,800 cfs on December 20.
Projected 2026-2027 CVP Contract Allocation
Storage in CVP reservoirs remain above the historic average. Based on CVP reservoir conditions and Reclamation’s 50% and 90% exceedance forecasts, the SLR is not expected to fill in March, and the District estimates final allocations could be 55–70% under the 50% exceedance forecast or 20–30% under the 90% exceedance forecast. The final allocation, typically announced in April or May, will depend on hydrology in the upper Sacramento River basin.
2026-2027 Water Rescheduling
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6215 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
The Bureau will limit the District to approximately 120,000 acre-feet of rescheduled water into the 2026-27 water contract year. The District forecasts that approximately 130,000 acre-feet (AF) will remain in water users’ accounts at the end of the current water contract year (February 28, 2026). The water remaining at contract yearend in excess of the rescheduling limit will be lost according to the District’s Rescheduling Policy.
Water users are reminded that according to the District’s Rescheduling Policy, loss (whether Cap Loss or Rescheduling Loss) is prorated based on volume per acre, from highest to lowest, and is applied in the following order and manner:
- Water rescheduled by the District
- Remaining Rescheduled Water
- Delivered Rescheduled Water
Although the District’s Rescheduling Policy does not limit how much water may be rescheduled by a water user, staff expects that after Cap Loss is applied, there will be 0.26 acre-feet per acre remaining, assuming all eligible acres participate in rescheduling water. If the San Luis Reservoir fills and there is a loss due to foregone pumping (Rescheduling Loss), then that loss will be applied in addition to the Cap Loss.
As a reminder, if a water user loses water, the District will bill the water user for all costs associated with the lost water.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Water Ordering and Meter Turn Off
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
To set up a Westlands online account, please contact your Customer Service Representative.
| For Water Use On | Place Water Order By | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday-Saturday | Day before | 7:30-9:30 a.m., by telephone or fax, or 10:00 a.m. by website |
| Sunday-Monday | Friday before | 12:00 p.m. by telephone, fax, or website |
Phone (559) 241-6250 or (800) 266-6574; fax (559) 241-6276; Water User account at District Web Site.
Water Users should comply with the District’s water ordering procedures. Conveyance capacity through many laterals is constrained. District staff determines lateral demand based on water orders. When demand exceeds the capacity of the lateral, the entire lateral is adversely affected, and water service can be lost for all users on the lateral. To properly operate and maintain the District’s water distribution system and, to a larger extent, the Central Valley Project, water users are required to place proper water orders in accordance with the District’s Terms and Conditions for Agricultural Water Service.
Water Users who are found to be running without an order will have their meter(s) turned off pursuant to Article 2, Section 2.6.H of the District’s Rules and Regulations. In addition, meters found running without a valid water order may be subject to a lateral monitoring fee of up to $855.67. Accurate water orders are also critical. For reference, if a meter malfunctions or varies from a standard calibration range, your monthly billing can be directly affected by the accuracy of your water orders.
Notice to Landowners: Change in Banking Partner
Please note that Westlands Water District has recently changed its banking partner to Citizens Business Bank. Although we are currently in the process of converting District accounts and services over to Citizens, this change should not affect District customers immediately. District customers will be notified in advance, if any future actions will impact them. For questions, please contact your Account Representative. We look forward to working with our new banking partner.
More about Citizens Business Bank.
Citizens Business Bank was founded in 1974 to support local business owners. In its 50 years of existence, the bank has grown to over $15 billion in assets and more than 60 locations across California. We chose Citizen’s for their focus on customer relationships and core values, which has earned them recognition as a top-performing bank. Citizen’s provides full banking services to several other water districts as well as their customers. For more information on Citizens Business Bank you can visit their website or contact a representative at (559) 261-0222.
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Golden Mussel Update
Field Engineering and Planning: (559) 884-2523
As reported at the Board meeting, staff has confirmed the presence of the Golden Mussel, a recently introduced invasive species, within the District’s distribution system. We are working with our State and Federal partners, as well as local agencies, to learn all we can about the mussel and how we can manage or eliminate the impact it could have on water deliveries. Tracking the muscles’ spread throughout the distribution system will play an important role in how quickly we can address these impacts, and staff would ask that water users report any sightings in your filtration systems or on farm irrigation systems to the Field Engineering and Planning Department. The District will provide more information with water users as it becomes available through the weekly Westlands Water Watch emails, Board meetings, and through this Monthly Notice.
Cross Connections with District Facilities
Field Engineering and Planning: (559) 884-2523
With over 1,000 miles of pipe, operating and repairing the District’s distribution system can present unique challenges. Staff understands the need for flexibility when connecting and operating on-farm irrigation systems; however, continued instances of damage and delays over the past year highlight the need to follow existing standards. Consideration needs to be given to the District’s distribution system when cross-connecting groundwater wells and other sources of water to protect District staff, pipelines, tanks, reservoirs, and adjacent private property from damage.
For questions regarding new and/or existing connections, please contact the Field Engineering and Planning Department.
Primary Service Capital Project – Service Interruption
Alex Garcia: (559) 884-2523 ext. 108 – agarcia@wwd.ca.gov
Staff will be scheduling the replacement of primary electrical service wiring at 79 pumping plants over the next three months. This essential work is critical to maintaining the reliability of the pumping plants and reducing the risk of emergency shutdowns throughout the year. Each pumping plant will be out of service for approximately 24 hours, with minimal impact on water deliveries. All shutdowns are being carefully coordinated in advance with affected users. Shutdown notices have already begun to be distributed. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this service interruption, please contact your Customer Accountant or Alex Garcia in the Field Engineering Department.
Groundwater Well Maintenance
Quinn Manning: (559) 884-2523 ext. 131
The District would like to remind Water Users that the meters installed on groundwater wells for compliance with the approved Groundwater Sustainability Plan are owned by the District and should not be removed, relocated, or adjusted by Water Users, their staff, or contractors. If a meter needs to be removed during regular maintenance or emergency repairs of the well and/or its discharge piping, please contact District staff so the meter can be removed during the work to avoid any damage to the meter.
To connect privately owned AMI or monitoring systems to a District-owned meter, please contact Water Measurement Specialist, Quinn Manning.
Planned Maintenance Schedule 2025-26
Alex Garcia: (559) 884-2523 ext. 108 – agarcia@wwd.ca.gov
The District issues a monthly listing of the maintenance schedule for the next 45 to 60 days. Shutdown notices for scheduled work are sent to affected Water Users in advance of each shutdown. If Water Users are not receiving these notices, please contact your Customer Service Representative to update your contact information.
| Lateral(s) Impacted | Date(s) | Scheduled Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7R, 7RB, 7RC, 7RD | Dec. 15 – Dec. 19 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 11R | Jan. 5 – Jan. 9 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 4L | Jan. 12 – Jan. 16 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 2L | Jan. 20 – Jan. 23 | Valve Replacement | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| PVPP | Jan. 20 – Jan. 22 | Discharge Valve Repair | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 17R | Jan. 26 – Jan. 30 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 33L | Feb. 2 – Feb. 6 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 22L | Feb. 9 – Feb. 13 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 24L | Feb. 23 – Feb. 27 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
2026-2027 Quinquennial Inspection and Repair Shutdown Schedule
Alex Garcia: (559) 884-2523 ext. 108 – agarcia@wwd.ca.gov
The following table lists the District’s general order and initial dates planned for the pumping plant system inspection and repair shutdown schedule for the fiscal year 2026-2027.
| Week | Division Valves to be inspected | Pumping Plant |
|---|---|---|
| 9/21/2026 | 24R | |
| 9/28/2026 | PV3-0.2 | PV3 |
| 10/5/2026 | 7L & 7-0.5 | |
| 10/12/2026 | PV8 | |
| 10/19/2026 | 27R | |
| 10/26/2026 | 12R | |
| 11/2/2026 | 13L | |
| 11/16/2026 | 13RA & 13RB | |
| 12/7/2026 | 2RA & 2RB | |
| 12/14/2026 | 15R | |
| 1/4/2027 | 36L | |
| 1/11/2027 | 22R | |
| 1/25/2027 | 6L | |
| 2/1/2027 | PV2-0.5 | PV2 |
| 2/8/2027 | 21R |
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Westlands Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program
Shelly Ruiz: (559) 241-6228 or westlandsmlrp@wwd.ca.gov
Landowners, growers, and other interested stakeholders are invited to attend the District’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (Program) Steering Committee (SC) and Outreach Advisory Committee (OAC) meeting. The next SC/OAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Please refer to the District’s calendar for additional information.
The Program’s Project Process is currently underway, and funding is available to support eligible multibenefit land repurposing projects. The District hosted a virtual outreach workshop on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, to review the process and potential project funding opportunities. More information is provided in the attached Program flyer, with further details available on the Program’s website. The priority deadline to submit a Program Project Application is Friday, January 30, 2026.
The Final Program Plan is anticipated to be completed and presented to the District Board of Directors at a Regular Spring 2026 Board Meeting.
Low-Interest Irrigation or Recharge Equipment Lease Program
Kori Frauenheim: (559) 241-6231- kfrauenheim@wwd.ca.gov
Brent Dragomanovich: (559) 241-6245 – bdragomanovich@wwd.ca.gov
The District’s Expanded Irrigation System Improvement or Recharge Program (EISIRP) offers low-interest loans of up to $200,000 to water users for the lease-purchase of irrigation systems and recharge project equipment. At the March 2025 meeting, the Board of Directors reauthorized use of additional Public Purpose Program (P3) funding for cost-share under the EISIRP. Accordingly, water users who plan to install an irrigation system on land that is served by a pump enrolled in a District power program may also be eligible for a 35% cost share, up to $70,000, from the District’s EISIRP/P3 Grant. Additional information is available on the EISIRP and P3 pages on the District’s website.
Land Available for Lease
Cork McIsaac of Agriculture Industries, Inc.: (916) 372-5595 or (800) 822-1415
The District has several parcels for lease in Fresno and Kings counties. For a list of available land, please contact Cork McIsaac.
The District no longer consents to irrigate, from any source, leased District land. All new leases will be non-irrigable.
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Update
Antonio Solorio: (559) 241-6244 – sgma@wwd.ca.gov
The next Advisory and Technical Advisory Committee Meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
If you are considering groundwater recharge, the District encourages water users to either participate in the 1 for 1 exchange program or submit groundwater recharge project renewal form found on page 6. Prior to applying recharge water at your Project, identify recharge project meters, and submit your meter readings online, twice a month by the 15th and last day of each month.
Distribution Integration Program
Antonio Solorio: (559) 241-6244 – asolorio@wwd.ca.gov
The District is currently offering the Distribution Integration Program (DIP) for water users who wish to participate. The DIP provides water users with the flexibility to develop and manage groundwater supplies for conveyance throughout the District. To be approved to participate in the DIP, water users must submit a DIP application, and a water quality report that demonstrates compliance with standards, receive approval from the other users along the respective DIP lateral, and construct an integration facility per District Specifications. Information about the program is posted on the CIP-DIP Page on the District’s website.
Groundwater and Irrigation System Management Program Information
Jennifer Montoya: (559) 241-6242 – jmontoya@wwd.ca.gov; or
Brent Dragomanovich: (559) 241-6245 – bdragomanovich@wwd.ca.gov
Westlands’ Groundwater Management Program integrates local groundwater resources into its water supply system by acquiring and operating efficient groundwater pumping facilities. Participants transfer their pumping equipment to Westlands, follow program schedules, and are charged a cost-based fee for groundwater pumped. The program ensures equitable costs, adherence to safety and efficiency standards for all facilities, and offers up to 40% in cost savings. We invite all landowners to participate in the Groundwater and Irrigation System Management Program.
If a power outage occurs at a facility enrolled in the District’s Groundwater or Irrigation System Management Programs (GWMP/ISMP), please call the PG&E Business Customer Service Center (BCSC) at 1-800-468-4743. The BCSC will address downed poles/lines, blown fuses, and damaged transformers. Please contact the District for any damaged or missing power meters. Before contacting PG&E, you will need your service location, for example NW NW Section-Township-Range. This information may also be included in the GWMP/ISMP applications.
Westlands Water Quality Coalition Members
Kori Frauenheim: (559) 241-6231 or wwqc@wwd.ca.gov;
Brent Dragomanovich: (559) 241-6245
The Coalition will be hosting its annual member outreach meeting, virtually, the beginning of next year to help members submit their INMP Summary Report for the 2025 crop year by the March 1st, 2026 deadline. Details regarding the outreach meeting will be emailed out in January 2026. If you are unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded and posted to the coalition member portal website.
Make a Difference in your Community! (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
No. 791